Pallet Dimensions
Pallet Sizes in Australia — Complete Guide
Every pallet dimension used in Australian supply chains. Comparison chart with length, width, height and standard specifications.
Pallet Dimension Comparison
| Pallet Type | L (mm) | W (mm) | H (mm) | Weight | Standard | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Standard AU Default | 1165 | 1165 | 150 | 25–35 kg | AS 4068 | Domestic freight, supermarkets, general logistics |
| Euro Pallet (EPAL) | 1200 | 800 | 144 | 20–25 kg | EPAL / UIC 435-2 | Import/export, cold chain, European trade lanes |
| ISO Pallet Type 1 | 1200 | 1000 | 150 | 22–30 kg | ISO 6780 | International shipping, containers |
| ISO Pallet Type 2 | 1200 | 800 | 150 | 20–25 kg | ISO 6780 | International shipping, European markets |
| Half Pallet | 1165 | 582 | 150 | 12–18 kg | AS (half) | Retail display, smaller shipments |
| Quarter Pallet | 582 | 582 | 150 | 6–10 kg | AS (quarter) | Point-of-sale display, small quantities |
* Heights are approximate. Actual height varies by construction and number of deck boards.
Why Australia Uses Square Pallets
Australia's 1165 × 1165 mm (square) pallet is unique globally. Most other markets use rectangular pallets — the 1200 × 800 mm Euro format or the 1200 × 1000 mm ISO format. Australia's square format emerged from early-20th century logistics practices and was standardised under AS 4068.
The square format has a key practical advantage: orientation symmetry. A pallet that's the same length in both directions can be approached by a forklift from any side without reconfiguring the load. In a busy warehouse, this saves significant time.
Two standard Australian pallets placed side by side are 2330 mm — allowing two pallets to fit in a standard 2400 mm container width with only 70 mm clearance. Three pallets end-to-end measure 3495 mm, fitting neatly in standard 3.6m truck width configurations.
Export Implications
The 1165 × 1165 mm size doesn't align with any ISO pallet standard. When shipping internationally, Australian exporters often need to transfer goods to Euro or ISO pallets, or use plastic pallets (which are exempt from ISPM 15). This adds cost and complexity.